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Why Aramark Stock Plunged Today

What happened

Shares of Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) were down 9.5% as of 3:45 p.m. Tuesday after the food, facilities and uniform services company reported weaker-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter 2016 results.

So what

Quarterly revenue fell slightly from the same year-ago period, to roughly $3.544 billion and -- based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) -- translated to net income attributable to Aramark shareholders of $83.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, Aramark's net income grew 11.9% year over year, to $122 million, or $0.49 per share.

By comparison, analysts' consensus estimates predicted roughly the same adjusted earnings, but on higher revenue of $3.67 billion.

The combination of our strong execution and smart reinvestment in the business propelled Aramark to record-setting profitability and double-digit EPS growth in 2016. Our strategy is working, and as we move forward we will remain focused on driving continued innovation, improving productivity and delivering unparalleled customer service. We remain confident that this strategy will continue to drive long-term shareholder value going forward.

Now what

Looking forward to fiscal year 2017, Aramark expects adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.85 to $1.95 -- the midpoint of which sits slightly below analysts' expectations for 2017 adjusted earnings of $1.91 per share.

That's not to say these results were as terrible as Tuesday's big drop seems to indicate. But given the combination of its top-line shortfall for the fourth quarter, underwhelming guidance, and the fact that shares had risen more than 20% over the past year leading up to this report, it's no surprise to see Aramark investors taking a step back on Tuesday.

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